Cosmetic product applicator including helical furrows and cosmetic item including such an applicator

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic product applicator including a straight stick extending according to a main axis with a longitudinal direction, the stick including an external surface over which furrows are formed. Over at least one longitudinal portion of the stick, the external surface of the stick includes at least two helical furrows, one of the two furrows having a right-hand pitch and the other one having a left-hand pitch, the furrows meeting several times over the longitudinal portion of the stick, such an applicator having furrows with opposite pitches improving combing and separating of the eyelashes (or other hairs) when applying a cosmetic product. The presence of furrows having opposite pitches allows for an efficient use of the applicator both with the right hand and with the left hand, with an identical or similar make-up quality. The applicator is well-suited to be used in a “mascara pen” type mascara item.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic productapplicators, and in particular applicators for mascara.

2. Description of the Invention

A mascara item of, or “mascara”, conventionally comprises a case, amascara reservoir and an applicator element. The applicator elementincludes a gripping portion and an applicator per se, which is generallyin the form of a brush. In a known manner, the applicator brush mayinclude a lid or cap adapted to seal the reservoir when not applyingmascara and which could form the gripping area of the applicator brush.

There are conventionally several types of applicators: those of the“bottle brush” type, injected ones and those manufactured by additivemanufacturing (sometimes called “additive manufacture”). Additivemanufacturing designates the methods of manufacturing by addition oraggregation of material.

An applicator of the bottle brush type includes a brush that comprisesbristles formed by fibres trapped in a twisted metal wire forming thecore of the applicator. An injected applicator is generally made of asingle piece and includes bristles or teeth, made of plastic materialfor example, generally called protuberances. An applicator manufacturedby additive manufacturing is also generally made integrally in one-pieceand may be formed, for example, from a powder of thermoplastic polymersvia a process implementing, for example, powder fusion by laser.

Regardless of the form and the embodiment of a known mascara applicator,the principle of application of mascara consists in loading theapplicator with a product (mascara) contained in the reservoir,extracting the applicator from said reservoir, whose protrusions areloaded with the product, and carrying out the application on the user'seyelashes and eyebrows.

For simplicity, mention will be made, in the rest of the presentdocument, of a mascara applicator, yet without excluding the use of theapplicator for another similar cosmetic product. Similarly, onlyeyelashes are mentioned, yet without excluding a use of the product andof the applicator to the user's eyebrows. Finally, a user is mentionedin a broad sense, which, of course, also includes a female user.

Unless stated otherwise, the expressions “about” and “in the range of”refer to the given value more or less 20%. Unless stated otherwise, allmentioned value ranges should be understood without the bounds included.

Alternatively to the above-described applicators, some applicators havebeen developed in the form of a stick having at its surface cavities orreliefs enabling mascara retention.

The document EP3302166 discloses a cosmetic product applicator in theform of a support forming a grip with a cylindrical section or other.The support is aperture so as to define a toothing forming applicationelements. Thus, the support forms an application comb including teeth.The teeth are partially peripheral and are disposed according to atleast one longitudinal row of parallel teeth, for example twodiametrically opposite longitudinal rows. The inter-teeth spaces definespaces for loading and applying the cosmetic product.

Nevertheless, the capacity of cosmetic product retention by thisapplicator is limited. Furthermore, this applicator imposes an accurateand complex gesture on the user, the eyelashes having to be combed byone of the sides of the applicator, with a result in terms of eyelashseparation and cosmetic product application that depend on the angularorientation of the applicator.

The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,787 discloses a cosmetic productapplicator in the form of a threaded metal stick. The threads that thestick bears define recesses which are used in loading the cosmeticproduct. Nevertheless, the capacity of this applicator to comb andseparate the eyelashes turns out to be limited. Besides, the result isnot consistent, depending on whether the applicator is used with theright hand or with the left hand.

While such a general configuration of the applicator, in the form of astick, for example metallic, has proven to be advantageous for someapplications explained in detail later on, the known applicators havingthis configuration in the prior art may be improved.

SUMMARY

Thus, the present invention aims to provide a cosmetic productapplicator, in particular a mascara applicator, which solves all or partof the aforementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the invention relates to a cosmetic product applicatorincluding a straight stick extending according to a main axis with alongitudinal direction, the stick including an external surface overwhich furrows are formed. The stick is cylindrical and straight. In thisapplicator, over at least one longitudinal portion of the stick, theexternal surface of the stick includes at least two helical furrows, oneof said two furrows having a right-hand pitch and the other one of saidfurrows having a left-hand pitch, the furrows meeting several times oversaid longitudinal portion of the stick. Each furrow of the applicatorforms an angle (a) comprised between 88° and 50° with respect to themain axis.

In particular, the applicator may include exactly two, three, four, fiveor six furrows.

The fact that the stick is cylindrical and straight should, of course,be understood as referring to the general shape of the stick, withoutconsidering the furrows it includes. In other word, the envelope definedby the surface of the stick is cylindrical and straight.

The furrows formed at the surface of the stick form a space for loadingthe applicator with the cosmetic product. Furthermore, by the helicalconfiguration of the furrows, with at least one furrow that meets atleast one furrow because of opposite pitches, substantially lozenge-likeshapes and/or shapes featuring sharp transverse ridges are formed at thesurface of the stick. These patterns create obstacles which considerablyimprove combing and separation of the eyelashes (or other hairs) whenapplying the cosmetic product, in particular in comparison with anapplicator that would have parallel helical furrows.

Furthermore, the presence of furrows having opposite pitches (at leastone furrow with a right-hand pitch and at least one furrow with aleft-hand pitch) allows for an effective use of the applicator both withthe right hand and with the left hand, with an identical or similarmake-up quality.

Each furrow of the applicator may form an angle (a) comprised between85° and 67°, and more preferably between 85° and 82° with respect to thelongitudinal main axis.

In some embodiments, the stick is axisymmetrically cylindrical and has adiameter comprised between 2 mm and 8 mm, preferably in the range of 3mm.

At least one furrow of the applicator may have a variable pitch.

The angle formed by the furrows, with respect to the direction ofapplication, is also important for the obtained quality of application.Indeed, the eyelashes should get in the furrows during application, getloaded with mascara, and come out form the furrows easily when desired.

One angle range allows achieving satisfactory results, namely between88° and 50° with respect to the longitudinal direction, i.e. between 2°and 40° with respect to the transverse direction (which is orthogonal tothe longitudinal direction). In particular, good results have beenobtained between 85° and 67° with respect to the longitudinal direction(namely between 5° and 23° with respect to the longitudinal direction).The best results have been obtained with furrows forming an anglecomprised between 85° and 82° with respect to the longitudinal mainaxis, namely between 5° and 8° with respect to the transverse direction.The angle values indicated hereinabove correspond, for an axisymmetriccylindrical stick with a diameter of 3 mm, to a pitch comprised between0.3 mm and 8 mm and to preferred pitch values comprised between 0.8 mmand 4 mm, and more particularly between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. Thus, thepitch of the furrows could be adapted to the diameter (and moregenerally to the dimensions) of the used stick. The pitch concept shouldbe understood in general as the longitudinal distance covered by afurrow when it completes one turn around the stick, regardless of theshape of the cross-section of the stick.

For an applicator whose stick is axisymmetrically cylindrical, therelationship between the pitch P and the angle of the helix denoted s,with respect to the transverse direction is given by the equation:

TAN(β)=P/(π·D)

with TAN referring to the Tangent function and D the diameter of thestick.

Henceforth, knowing the diameter D of the stick and while keeping thedesired helix angle β fixed (for example knowing that α(°)=90−β(°)), thepitch P can be easily determined.

Of course, the selected pitch could depend on the dimensions of theformed furrows: for example, the pitch should be larger than the widthof the furrows.

The furrows may have identical or different pitches. Advantageously, thepitch of each furrow is located in the ranges indicated hereinbefore.The pitch of each furrow may be fixed or variable. By “variable pitch”,it should be understood a pitch whose value evolves according to thelongitudinal position on the stick. A variable pitch allows achievingdifferent make-up effects in different longitudinal areas of theapplicator.

The helical furrows may extend in a rectilinear manner over a helix.Alternatively, at least one helical furrow may extend according to asinusoidal trajectory, undulating over a helix.

The manner in which a helical furrow extends over the helix whichdefines it allows modulating the obtained make-up effect. A rectilinearfurrow trajectory, i.e. with no bending over the helix that defines thefurrow, corresponds to the most obvious embodiment. A trajectory thatundulates over the helix that defines the furrow may improve combing andseparation of the eyelashes. Furthermore, the edges of the furrows mayhave irregularities, for example indentations, which improve hooking ofthe applicator with respect to the eyelashes.

Each furrow may have a width, at the surface of the stick, comprisedbetween 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm.

Each furrow may have a depth comprised between 0.1 mm and 1 mm,preferably comprised between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm.

The dimensions of the furrows are selected so as to allow containing theselected volume of the product, for example the desired volume ofmascara for making up the eyelashes of an eye. These dimensions shouldalso enable the passage of one, or of a limited number, of eyelashes perfurrow. In particular, it is possible to size each furrow so that itcould accommodate a maximum number of only one to five eyelash(es) atonce, for example a maximum number of three eyelashes at once.

The furrows may have a triangular, square, rectangular, flared, orrounded, cross-section, for example semi-circular. The furrows may havea cross-section that includes a bottom having a restricted sectionforming a cavity with a restricted section which extends along thefurrow. The furrows may have a cross-section that includes a bottomhaving a ridge which extends along the furrow.

Different cross-sections of furrows may be used with different effectswhich are explained hereinafter with reference to the detaileddescription of some embodiments of the invention.

The cosmetic product applicator may further include at least onestriation formed at the surface of the stick, the at least one striationbeing longitudinal or helical with a pitch greater than or equal to thatof the furrows. For example, the applicator may include exactly one,two, three, or four striations. Each striation may have a cross-sectionwhose surface area is comprised between one fifth and half the surfacearea of the cross-section of each furrow.

The striations allow modulating and/or increasing the different effectsof the furrows. They form an additional volume for receiving theproduct, but above all, they allow making the cosmetic product load evenover the surface of the applicator. They multiply the anfractuositiesand reliefs present at the surface of the stick. Thus, the combiningeffect and the separation effect are increased.

The applicator may include a longitudinal portion with a smooth end.Such a configuration makes the applicator compatible with a cosmeticitem, in particular a mascara item, of the applicator pen type.

Thus, the invention also relates to a cosmetic item including areservoir containing a liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic product, a guidetube extending according to the longitudinal direction in saidreservoir, and an applicator as described hereinabove, mounted movablein longitudinal translation in said guide tube between a retractedposition in which the applicator is entirely or partially contained inthe guide tube and a deployed position in which a portion of theapplicator that is contained in the guide tube in the retracted positionprojects from one end of the guide tube, the stick having an endlongitudinal portion having a constant and identical cross-section,within a functional clearance margin, to the cross-section of the guidetube, the guide tube including at least one aperture enabling thepassage of the cosmetic product from the reservoir towards theapplicator.

The cosmetic product applicator may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic,Bakelite, glass, or paper.

The use of metal allows making parts with a very high accuracy,depending on the considered metal by machining or three-dimensionalprinting starting from metal powder (followed, where necessary, with agrinding machining). In particular, the applicator may be made ofstainless steel or aluminium (or aluminium alloy). The obtained part ishigh-quality and durable: it is less likely to be deteriorated overtime. An applicator made of plastic may be made, in particular byinjection moulding. The applicator may be made of ceramic, which isaesthetic, light, and barely sticks to mascara. Finally, an applicatormade of compressed paper, i.e. of compressed paper at very high pressuremay be obtained. This manufacturing type allows providing a single-use,disposable, applicator which can be used in testing systems or“testers”, for example in stores, samples, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages, aims and particular features of the present inventionwill arise from the following non-limiting description of at least oneparticular embodiment of the devices and methods objects of the presentinvention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an applicator inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial detail view of the applicator of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of various possible distributions of thefurrows formed at the surface of applicators in accordance with variousembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a first example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a second example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a third example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a fourth example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a fifth example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sixth example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a seventh example of a furrow cross-section that could beimplemented in the context of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic and partial three-dimensional view of anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic and partial three-dimensional view of anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic and partial three-dimensional view of anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic and partial three-dimensional view of anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a cosmetic item including an applicatorin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a cosmetic item including anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 represents an example of an applicator 1 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

The applicator 1 is generally in the form of stick 2 which isrectilinear. The stick 2, shown only partially in FIG. 1 , extendsaccording to a main axis (A) whose direction is conventionally so-calledlongitudinal.

The stick 2 includes a longitudinal portion P over which recessedportions are formed enabling mascara retention. In the shown example,the stick also includes a longitudinal portion with an end E which issmooth, i.e. whose surface has no patterns. The longitudinal portion E,with a small length in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , may be longer or, onthe contrary, inexistent, according to various embodiments of theinvention.

The patterns formed over a longitudinal portion P include two helicalfurrows 3. In particular, a first helical furrow 31 has a right-handpitch whereas a second helical furrow 32 has a left-hand pitch.

A helix with a right-hand pitch, or dextrorotatory helix, corresponds toa helix which, when observed vertically, rises from left to right.Conversely, a helix with a left-hand pith, or levorotatory helix,corresponds to a helix which, when observed vertically, rises from rightto left.

The term furrow generally refers to an open groove or slot, formed atthe surface of the stick 2 according to a given trajectory, and possiblyhaving a constant or variable cross-section.

By the presence of furrows and, where appropriate, other recessedpatterns, the surface S of the stick corresponds in the longitudinalportion P (and more generally in the entire stick) to the externalenvelope of the stick, considered in the absence of recessed patterns.Hence, the surface S is the surface of the straight cylinder(axisymmetric, elliptical or prismatic) which defines the stick 2,whether it consists of an axisymmetric straight cylinder, an ellipticalcylinder, a straight prism having a polygonal cross-section (triangular,square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) or more generally any cylinder.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 , and as shown in the detail view of FIG.2 , the first furrow 31 and the second furrow 32 have a substantiallysquare section. The first furrow 31 and the second furrow 32 are hereinformed according to helices having pitches with the same value, althoughopposite to one another (respectively “to the right” and “to the left”).The first furrow 31 and the second furrow 32 meet several times in thelongitudinal portion P. This results in the formation, between thefurrows, of substantially lozenge-like shapes 4. These shapes, whichresult from the matter present between the furrows, include ridges 41 atthe intersections between two furrows.

The anfractuosities formed by the furrows enable one or more eyelash(es)to fit therein whereas the relief shapes resulting from the formation ofthe furrows, and in particular the ridges 41, favour the separation andcombing of the eyelashes, which improves the make-up quality.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , each of the first furrow 31 and secondfurrow 32 forms an angle α with respect to the main axis A and thelongitudinal direction which is comprised between 88° and 50°. Morespecifically, the angle α corresponds to the angle formed between themain axis A and the tangent (at the intersection with said main axis A)to the orthogonal projection of the furrow in a plane passing throughthe main axis A. The acute angle that is thus formed is then considered.More particularly, it has been noticed that good results are obtainedfor an angle α comprised between 85° and 67°, in particular between 85°and 75°, with the best results obtained with an angle α comprisedbetween 85° and 82°. For an axisymmetric cylindrical stick with a 3 mmdiameter, an angle α between 88° and 50° substantially corresponds to apitch comprised between 0.3 mm and 8 mm, an angle α between 85° and 67°substantially corresponds to a pitch comprised between 0.8 mm and 4 mm,an angle α of 75° substantially corresponds to a pitch of 2.5 mm, and anangle α between 850 and 82° substantially corresponds to a pitchcomprised between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm.

The pitch of the furrows may be adapted, according to the dimensions ofthe used stick, to obtain the desired angle α. Thus, to obtain a givenangle α, the pitch should be larger for a stick with a large diameterthan for a stick with a small diameter. The pitch of each furrow may bedifferent from the pitches of the other furrows, but each furrow formsan angle α with respect to the main axis A, fixed or longitudinallyvariable, advantageously located in the aforementioned ranges of values.

Furthermore, although the applicator of FIG. 1 includes one singleportion P including furrows, it is possible in the context of thepresent invention to provide for an applicator including severallongitudinal portions P including furrows. The different portions maythen differ by the number of the furrows, their arrangement, theirpitch, their section, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates, three configurations of furrows, given as mereexamples, which could be used in the invention. For each example, thecross-section of a stick 2 which is axisymmetrically cylindrical isshown. The position, at the considered cross-section, and theorientation of each furrow, are shown by an arrow. For example, theconsidered section may correspond to one end of the portion IP, i.e. tothe starting point f the furrows. The example to the left is anapplicator including two furrows with opposite pitches, and may forexample correspond to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 . The examplerepresented at the centre of FIG. 3 is an applicator including threefurrows, with an even angular distribution of the furrows in theconsidered cross-section (each furrow is positioned at 120° from theother two), two furrows having a left-hand (or respectively right-hand)pitch, the third furrow having a right-hand (or respectively left-hand)pitch. The example shown to the right of FIG. 3 is an applicatorincluding four furrows, with an even angular distribution of the furrowsin the considered cross-section (each furrow is positioned at 90° fromthe other two). The furrows alternate angularly (at the consideredsection) between a furrow having a right-hand pitch ad a furrow having aleft-hand pitch.

Thus, FIG. 3 illustrates the variety of possible applicatorconfigurations in the context of the present invention, according to thepursued application properties. In particular, for a mascara intended toincrease the volume of the eyelashes (so-called “volumising”), anapplicator including many markedly dug furrows is well suited. For amascara primarily intended to separate the eyelashes (so-called“separator”), an applicator including few slightly dug furrows is wellsuited.

FIGS. 4 to 10 show various cross-sections of furrows that could be usedin the context of the present invention. By cross-section of the furrow,it refers of course to the section of the considered furrow itself,independently of the stick, it therefore consists of the section of thefurrow, considered transversely to its local direction of extension; itdoes not consist of the cross-section of the stick.

As represented in FIG. 4 , the furrow 3 may have a rounded shape, forexample semi-circular. In the case of a furrow with a semi-circularsection, the width L of the furrow at the surface S of the stick 2 istwice its depth F measured between the surface S and the bottom of thefurrow, i.e. the point of the cross-section of the furrow the farthestfrom the level of the surface S. The rounded shape of the cross-sectionof the furrow 3 may be oval like, ellipse arc like, or formed by asuccession of arcs having several radii. This kind of rounded section isrelatively simple to make, forms a large volume for loading theapplicator with a cosmetic product, and allows easily receiving one ormore eyelash(es).

For example, the width L of the furrow may be comprised between 0.1 mmand 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. The depth F of thefurrow may be comprised between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably comprisedbetween 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. These values apply to all of the embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow.According to this embodiment, the furrow 3 also has a rounded section,formed by a succession of arcs, but the bottom of the furrow has arestricted section. This restricted section, which forms a cavity with arestricted section along the bottom of the furrow 3, may thus bedescribed as a small furrow itself formed at the bottom of the furrow.The height H of this restricted section 301 may be in the range of 0.1mm. The same applies to the width of the restricted section 1. The“restricted” concept should, of course, be understood with regards tothe other dimensions, in particular the width L, of the section of thefurrow 3. The restricted section 301 results in a given hooking and agiven guidance of the eyelash at the bottom of the furrow, whichimproves the elongation effect of the eyelash by the mascara.Furthermore, it has been noticed that a furrow including a cross-sectionwith a restricted section at its bottom allows having two distincteffects upon successive passes of the applicator: the first passesenable loading the eyelashes with mascara, and the next passes enableseparation thereof.

FIG. 6 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow.According to this embodiment, the furrow 3 has a generally trapezoidalsection (herein isosceles) whose bottom is rounded. The rounded bottomcorresponds to the fact that the small base of the trapezium is replacedby a rounded, concave, shape. This shape allows containing a largeamount of product, and enables a good penetration of the eyelashes inthe applicator, thereby increasing combing thereof.

FIG. 7 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow. Thefurrow 3 of FIG. 7 differs from that of FIG. 6 essentially in that thebottom of the furrow includes a crest 302. The crest 302 is central inthe shown example, but may take on other positions in other embodiments.The crest 302 may have a crest height H′ in the range of 0.1 mm. Thecrest 302 increases the separation effect on the eyelashes that get intothe furrow 3.

FIG. 8 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow. Thefurrow 3 of FIG. 8 includes a rounded trapezoidal portion, like thefurrow described with reference to FIG. 6 , and further includes arestricted section at its bottom, like the furrow described withreference to FIG. 5 . The restricted section 301 herein has atrapezoidal shape (in this case isosceles) with a rounded bottom. Theheight H of this restricted section 301 may be in the range of 0.1 mm.The same applies to the width of the restricted section 1. This sectionallows cumulating the effects of the furrows of FIGS. 5 and 6 .

FIG. 9 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow. Thecross-section of the furrow 3 is triangular, for example shaped as anisosceles, and possibly equilateral, triangle. Making this type offurrows is relatively easy, in particular by machining using tools withvery small dimensions yet relatively conventional.

FIG. 10 represents the cross-section of another example of a furrow. Thecross-section of the furrow 3 is rectangular, and possibly square. Incomparison with a triangular furrow, the volume of the furrow isconsiderably increased (typically doubled). Making such a furrow iscomplex, but this furrow allows reaching excellent make-up results.

In all embodiments, it is preferable to avoid the section of the furrowsforming undercut angles. Besides, making such a furrow configurationwould be very complex, but also and above all this would form areas fromwhich it would be difficult to completely extract the mascara (oranother cosmetic product) during application. Furthermore, the eyelasheswould get in the furrows with difficulty, and once therein would comeout with excessive difficulty.

Furthermore, in all embodiments, the furrows 3 may include smooth edgesor having indentations or irregularities, which improve hooking of theapplicator on the eyelashes, and therefore extension thereof and combingthereof.

Moreover, the surface condition in the furrows may be suited to besthold the mascara or another cosmetic product. For this purpose, a highroughness promotes the retention of the product.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show, according to partial views, the portions P ofapplicators in accordance with different embodiments of the presentinvention.

Each of FIGS. 11 to 14 shows a portion of a cosmetic product applicatorformed on the base of an axisymmetric circular stick 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , two furrows 3 are formed at the surfaceof the stick 2, namely a first furrow 31 having a right-hand pitch and asecond furrow 32 having a left-hand pitch. The embodiment shown in FIG.11 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2 , except that eachfurrow 3 has a substantially semi-circular cross-section. Like in theembodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the formation of the furrows 3 resultsin the creation of substantially lozenge-like shapes 4 at the surface ofthe stick 2. These shapes, have sharp ridges 41, curved because of therounded section of the furrows 3, at the intersections between twofurrows.

The pitch of the first furrow and that of the second furrow beingopposite to one another but with the same value (or with close values),the applicator of FIG. 11 may be used indifferently with the right handor with the left hand, and by rotating it, when applying the cosmeticproduct, indifferently in either direction about the main axis A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12 , like that one of FIG. 11 , two furrows 3are formed at the surface of the stick 2, namely a first furrow 31having a right-hand pitch and a second furrow 32 having a left-handpitch. The difference with the embodiment of FIG. 11 lies essentially inthe pitch of the furrows 3, which is less than the pith of the furrowsof FIG. 11 . This results in that the volume formed by the furrows forreceiving a cosmetic product is larger. Also, and above all, thisresults in the creation of ridges 41 in a larger number, which improvesthe separation of the eyelashes.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13 , two furrows 3 are formed at the surfaceof the stick 2, namely a first furrow 31 having a right-hand pitch and asecond furrow 32 having a left-hand pitch. The first furrow and thesecond furrow have a substantial depth in comparison with the diameterof the stick 2, and a small pitch, so that they are broadly superimposedand barely leave matter at the surface S of the stick 2. The volumegenerated to retain the cosmetic product is large, and the thin shapes 4which are thus generated have a good capability to separate theeyelashes. Furthermore, a striation 5 is formed in addition to thefurrows. In general, a striation 5 corresponds to an open groove orslot, possibly having a constant or variable cross-section, thiscross-section having a surface substantially smaller than that of afurrow. For example, the surface of the section of a striation may betwo to five times smaller than that of the section of a furrow.Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, a striation iseither longitudinal or helical. In the case of a helical striation, itspitch is advantageously greater than or equal to the pitch of thefurrows.

One or more striation(s) may be formed on the applicator, regardless ofthe configuration of the furrows.

The striations 5 multiply the anfractuosities and reliefs present at thesurface of the stick 2. Thus, the combining effect and the separationeffect are increased.

The embodiment of FIG. 14 corresponds to an embodiment wherein severalfurrows and striations have been formed, resulting in an applicator witha complex shape forming a large volume for the retention of a cosmeticproduct and enabling significant separation, combing and elongation ofthe eyelashes.

As indicated hereinbefore, various materials may be considered to makethe applicator 1. In particular, the applicator may be made of stainlesssteel, aluminium or of an aluminium alloy, ceramic, plastic inparticular polymer, glass, or pressed paper. Depending on the materialand the configuration of the applicator, it may be made by machining,three-dimensional printing, injection, compression, and possibly by oneof these processes followed by machining (for example to straighten theshape of the applicator).

In particular, the stick (or more generally the applicator) is made ofan appropriate material in one-piece.

FIG. 15 shows a cosmetic item, namely a mascara item, including anapplicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingto the shown embodiment, the cosmetic item has an oblong shape similarto that of a pen. Thus, the cosmetic item includes a main body 6, at oneend of which a lid 7 is attached or butted, which is optional. The mainbody externally includes a barrel 8 sealed by a cap 9, the barrel 8 andthe cap 9 forming a sleeve 10 forming part of the main body 6. Thecosmetic item extends according to the longitudinal extension generaldirection, according to which the applicator 1 is also disposed asdescribed with reference to FIG. 16 . The optional lid 7 is not shown inthe embodiment of FIG. 16 .

As shown in the section shown in FIG. 16 , the cosmetic item includes areservoir 11, forming a volume able to contain a cosmetic product andwhich has a cylindrical general shape. One end of the reservoir 11 issealed by an endpiece 12, which forms sealing with the inner walls ofthe reservoir 11. The reservoir 11 is crossed longitudinally by a guidetube 13. The cosmetic item also includes an applicator 1.

The applicator 1 is mounted movable in longitudinal translation relativeto the guide tube 13. In the present embodiment, the applicator 11 ismounted fixed relative to the main body. In turn, the reservoir 11 ismounted movable in translation (or movable according to a combinedtranslational and rotational movement) relative to the main body 6.

Hence, the reservoir 11 could take on a projected position with respectto the main body 10 in which a portion of the reservoir 11 is notcontained in the main body, and a retracted position in the main body inwhich a larger portion of the reservoir is contained in the main bodythan in its projected position.

In the embodiment shown as example, the cosmetic item is configured sothat the applicator 1 takes on a retracted position when the reservoiris in the projected position (which corresponds to the position shown inFIG. 16 ). In this retracted position, the applicator is retracted inthe cosmetic item in that it is entirely or almost entirely includedwithin the volume of the reservoir 11 and the main body 6.

When the reservoir 11 is brought in its retracted position in the mainbody 6, the applicator takes on its deployed position, in which itpartially projects from the guide tube 13 and the reservoir 6, in aposition enabling the application of the cosmetic product present on thelongitudinal portion P of the applicator 1.

Loading the portion P of the applicator 1, which includes the furrows,with the cosmetic product is carried out through one or more aperture(s)14 formed in the wall of the guide tube 13.

Depending on the position and the shape of the aperture(s) 14, thisloading may be carried out when the applicator is in the retractedposition and/or upon a passage of the portion P of the applicator 1opposite the aperture 14 when the reservoir is brought in the retractedposition, which places the applicator in the deployed position.

A device for pressurising the cosmetic product may be used, for exampleincluding a plunger 15 pushed by an elastic device such as a compressionspring.

When an applicator 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is used in a cosmetic item such as that one shown in FIG. 15and that one shown in FIG. 16 , the applicator includes a longitudinalportion with a smooth end E, which avoids a cosmetic product leakage atthe end of the guide tube 13. An insert positioned at the tip of theapplicator may also improve this sealing.

Of course, the applicator developed in the context of the presentinvention may be used in many other types of cosmetic items. Inparticular, it may be used in a conventional mascara item, including areservoir in which is soaked the applicator which is connected to a lidforming a gripping element of the applicator and which enablesextraction thereof from the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the applicator provided in the invention may alsobe particularly interesting in the context of a “single” use, inparticular as a tester in a retail store or accompanying a cosmeticproduct sample. This concerns in particular the applicators obtained bypaper pulp compression.

Thus, the present invention allows obtaining an optimised cosmeticproduct applicator, in particular a mascara applicator, which is in theform of a stick including over one portion of its surface patternsenabling the retention and the application of the product. The formationof the patterns implementing the intersection of at least two helicalfurrows with opposite pitches, the eyelash elongation, separation andcombing effects of the applicator can be improved in comparison with thesimilar applicators known in the prior art. In particular, this isenabled by the creation of relief shapes, between the furrows, whichimprove these effects. The configuration of the furrows, in particularthe angle that each furrow forms with respect to the planes transverseto the applicator (which is reflected by the pitch of the helix of thefurrows) and the cross-section of each furrow can be selected accordingto the pursued effects, the product volume that should be loaded on theapplicator, etc. Furthermore, at least in some embodiments of theinvention, the applicator can be used with the right hand and with theleft hand with a satisfactory application quality in both cases. Theapplicators considered according to the present invention can be made invarious materials and according to various manufacturing processes. Theyare suitable for various applications, and are in particular well-suitedto be used in a mascara pen type cosmetic item.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A cosmetic product applicator comprising: astraight stick extending according to a main axis with a longitudinaldirection; the stick including an external surface over which furrowsare formed; the stick beings cylindrical and straight; and over at leastone longitudinal portion of the stick the external surface of the stickincludes at least two helical furrows; a first of said two furrowshaving a right-hand pitch, and a second of said furrows having aleft-hand pitch; the furrows meeting several times over saidlongitudinal portion of the stick, each furrow forming an anglecomprised between 88° and 50° with respect to the main axis.
 20. Thecosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, further comprising:exactly two, three, four, five, or six furrows.
 21. The cosmetic productapplicator according to claim 19, wherein: each furrow forms an anglecomprised between 85° and 67° with respect to the main axis.
 22. Thecosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: each furrowforms an angle comprised between 85° and 82° with respect to the mainaxis.
 23. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19,wherein: the stick is axisymmetrically cylindrical and has a diametercomprised between 2 mm and 8 mm.
 24. The cosmetic product applicatoraccording to claim 19, wherein: the stick is axisymmetricallycylindrical and has a diameter comprised in the range of 3 mm.
 25. Thecosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: at least onefurrow has a variable pitch.
 26. The cosmetic product applicatoraccording to claim 19, wherein: wherein the helical furrows extend in arectilinear manner over a helix.
 27. The cosmetic product applicatoraccording to claim 19, wherein: at least one helical furrow extendsaccording to a sinusoidal trajectory, undulating around a helix.
 28. Thecosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: each furrowhas a width, at the surface of the stick, comprised between 0.1 mm and 1mm.
 29. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein:each furrow has a width, at the surface of the stick, comprised between0.3 mm and 0.8 mm.
 30. The cosmetic product applicator according toclaim 19, wherein: each furrow has a depth comprised between 0.1 mm and1 mm.
 31. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19,wherein: each furrow has a depth comprised between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm.32. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: thefurrows have a triangular, square, rectangular, flared, or roundedcross-section.
 33. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim19, wherein: the furrows have a semi-circular cross-section.
 34. Thecosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: the furrowshave a cross-section that includes a bottom having a restricted sectionforming a cavity with a restricted section which extends along thefurrow.
 35. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19,wherein: the furrows have a cross-section that includes a bottom havingan edge which extends along the furrow.
 36. The cosmetic productapplicator according to claim 19, further comprising: at least onestriation formed at the surface of the stick, the at least one striationbeing longitudinal or helical with a pitch greater than or equal to thatof the furrows.
 37. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim36, further comprising: exactly one, two, three, or four striations. 38.The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 36, wherein: eachstriation has a cross-section whose surface area is comprised betweenone fifth and half the surface area of the cross-section of each furrow.39. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19, wherein: theapplicator includes a longitudinal portion with a smooth end.
 40. Acosmetic item comprising: a reservoir containing a liquid or semi-liquidcosmetic product; a guide tube extending according to the longitudinaldirection in said reservoir; and an applicator according to claim 19mounted movable in longitudinal translation in said guide tube between aretracted position in which the applicator is entirely or partiallycontained in the guide tube and a deployed position in which a portionof the applicator that is contained in the guide tube in the retractedposition projects from one end of the guide tube, the stick having anend longitudinal portion having a constant and identical cross-section,within a functional clearance margin, to the cross-section of the guidetube, the guide tube including at least one aperture enabling thepassage of the cosmetic product from the reservoir towards theapplicator.
 41. The cosmetic product applicator according to claim 19,wherein: said applicator being made of metal, plastic, ceramic,Bakelite, glass, or paper.